VOTERS in Birmingham are set to go to the polls to decide whether or not their city council should be run by a directly elected mayor on May 3.

And the Birmingham Mail is giving young people the chance to hear both sides of the debate at a college forum. You can ask questions and find out more about the decision you are being asked to make.

The referendum will ask one million Brummies whether or not they want to replace the council leader, who is selected by councillors, with a directly elected mayor.

With just over three weeks left we have teamed up with South Birmingham College for a live discussion on the afternoon of Tuesday, April 17.

Leader of the Yes to a Birmingham Mayor campaign Julia Higginbottom and Conservative councillor for Sutton New Hall James Bird will put the case for a mayor.

While Labour MP for Selly Oak Steve McCabe and Green Party spokesman and former council deputy leader David Williams will present arguments against.

Each will be giving a short speech and then we will open the meeting up to questions. We also expect a few of those politicians bidding to become the mayor to attend to offer their views on the debate.

For supporters the elected mayor could provide the strong, clear and accountable leadership to take Birmingham into a golden era of economic growth, prosperity and success.

But opponents say it could see the city lumbered with a costly or corrupt power freak which it would unable to ditch for four years between elections. If a majority vote yes to the change there will be a mayoral election on November 15.

Anyone who would like to attend the event at South Birmingham College, Digbeth Campus Auditorium, High Street Deritend, on Tuesday, April 17 (2pm to 4pm) should email esh.capelo@trinitymirror.com

Those unable to attend can follow it live on twitter @birminghammail or catch up with video coverage at Birminghammail.net and read the Birmingham Mail for a full report.